Injection vs Combined pill

Need help choosing? Speak to a doctor
Injection

Add your Injection review

Combined pill

£From £0.16/day

Overview

Rated 2.9

288 reviews

Every 2-3 months

Frequency

94% - 99+%

Effectiveness

None

Blood clot risk

Short term

Effect on fertility

Rated 2.8

2593 reviews

Daily

Frequency

91% - 99+%

Effectiveness

Increased

Blood clot risk

None

Effect on fertility

Injection ingredients

Main hormones in Injection

progestogen


Combined pill ingredients

Main hormones in Combined pill

progestogen

oestrogen

What Lowdown reviewers say

33% somewhat negative

70% stopped periods

57% lost sex drive

49% gained weight

50% no impact on skin

Cycle return

43% don’t know impact

31% somewhat negative

47% lighter periods

46% lost sex drive

48% no impact

44% improved skin

Cycle return

36% don’t know impact

Benefits: What this contraceptive can help with

Endometriosis

Heavy periods

Period pain

Acne or bad skin

Heavy periods

PMS and PMDD

PCOS symptoms

Period pain

Try it now

Add your Injection review

Try it now

£From £0.16/day

Check out our latest reviews

Real life reviews from people like you

Injection reviews

288 reviews

Injection  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
17 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

Noristerat injection  

started using it on April but so far my body is still the same & haven’t experienced breast enlargement yet

Read more

Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Injection  
Used for 8+ yr
30 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 weeks ago

Sayana Press injection  

Used for over 10 years, completely stopped my periods which was fantastic. The devices became harder and harder to use, needing a lot of force to inject so I ended up turning myself into a pin cushion & wasting a few, which made reordering a faff. Don’t think I gained weight and if anything my skin improved (but that could just be normal from teenage to late 20s). The only negative I noticed was decreased sex drive - but it didn’t totally go so not a massive issue for me.


Improved skin

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Injection  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
16 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  13th May 25

Sayana Press injection  

I was on this injection for 2 years, the whole process put me off . when i started the injection i had a period of 16 days (over two weeks) and it was so heavy, months went on and my periods stopped all together, i didn’t have a period for minus 2 years , i’m now on the combined pill but i did receive higher anxiety and depression towards taking it for ages, the doctor offered me antidepressants but i didn’t want to be taking them as i am a quite smily happy person but i literally lost all my energy and motivation to do anything.


Somewhat negative mood

3 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Injection  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
17 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

Noristerat injection  

started using it on April but so far my body is still the same & haven’t experienced breast enlargement yet


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Injection  
Used for 8+ yr
30 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 weeks ago

Sayana Press injection  

Used for over 10 years, completely stopped my periods which was fantastic. The devices became harder and harder to use, needing a lot of force to inject so I ended up turning myself into a pin cushion & wasting a few, which made reordering a faff. Don’t think I gained weight and if anything my skin improved (but that could just be normal from teenage to late 20s). The only negative I noticed was decreased sex drive - but it didn’t totally go so not a massive issue for me.


Improved skin

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Injection  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
16 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  13th May 25

Sayana Press injection  

I was on this injection for 2 years, the whole process put me off . when i started the injection i had a period of 16 days (over two weeks) and it was so heavy, months went on and my periods stopped all together, i didn’t have a period for minus 2 years , i’m now on the combined pill but i did receive higher anxiety and depression towards taking it for ages, the doctor offered me antidepressants but i didn’t want to be taking them as i am a quite smily happy person but i literally lost all my energy and motivation to do anything.


Somewhat negative mood

3 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments


Combined pill reviews

2593 reviews

Combined pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
43 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  today

Dretine pill  

Low mood, caused depression anxiety and lethargy


Very negative mood

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
29 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 week ago

Eloine pill  

I stopped taking the pill 2 years ago to see if my libido would improve. Ultimately, though my libido was better off the pill, it has not been worth the horrendous PMDD symptoms that accompany my period. I was experiencing heightened severe depression, anger, sadness, and brain fog in the 2 weeks before my period; I'd also been dealing with nasty cystic acne on my chin and cheeks that was so deep under my skin, that even when my period was over, my face would be blotched and swollen with scabs or scars. Not cool when you're about to turn 30! Having this incessant acne made me even more depressed and at times, antisocial. All I could do was doom spiral. I recently moved to the UK and decided to see a doctor about my PMDD again as healthcare is accessible (as it should be!), and she suggested Eloine for acne and mood fluctuations. I'm happy to report that 5 weeks in, my acne is subsiding and I'm less up and down / quick to overreact mood-wise. My breasts have gotten a bit larger and although I also have a bit of bloating in my stomach, I'll happily take bigger boobs. In the past month, I have gotten some pretty bad, throbbing headaches, but those have started to become less frequent. I have also felt strong nausea in the afternoons, not always but frequently. This is still occurring in my fifth week. I do think my libido is down... but frankly, my husband was more tortured by my monstrous moods and deep self-loathing, and we've committed to working through it and being patient. So far, I recommend this for any menstruating person that deals with cystic hormonal acne and depression. It's been a relief for me.


Somewhat positive mood

2 more effects

1 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
18 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

Rigevidon  

Used Rigevidon for 6 months, had to stop due to mood. It didn't make me depressed or anxious just a lot more sensitive, took my quite a while (another 6 months) for my hormones to finally balance out again. My weight didn't change a massive deal, I gained a little bit, probably more due to me being more upset than usual. Stopped period pain and made periods a lot lighter and easier and grew my boobs a bit. Also very clear skin which is a bonus. Overall okay pill I just didn't like the mood swings.


Somewhat negative mood

3 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
43 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  today

Dretine pill  

Low mood, caused depression anxiety and lethargy


Very negative mood

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
29 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 week ago

Eloine pill  

I stopped taking the pill 2 years ago to see if my libido would improve. Ultimately, though my libido was better off the pill, it has not been worth the horrendous PMDD symptoms that accompany my period. I was experiencing heightened severe depression, anger, sadness, and brain fog in the 2 weeks before my period; I'd also been dealing with nasty cystic acne on my chin and cheeks that was so deep under my skin, that even when my period was over, my face would be blotched and swollen with scabs or scars. Not cool when you're about to turn 30! Having this incessant acne made me even more depressed and at times, antisocial. All I could do was doom spiral. I recently moved to the UK and decided to see a doctor about my PMDD again as healthcare is accessible (as it should be!), and she suggested Eloine for acne and mood fluctuations. I'm happy to report that 5 weeks in, my acne is subsiding and I'm less up and down / quick to overreact mood-wise. My breasts have gotten a bit larger and although I also have a bit of bloating in my stomach, I'll happily take bigger boobs. In the past month, I have gotten some pretty bad, throbbing headaches, but those have started to become less frequent. I have also felt strong nausea in the afternoons, not always but frequently. This is still occurring in my fifth week. I do think my libido is down... but frankly, my husband was more tortured by my monstrous moods and deep self-loathing, and we've committed to working through it and being patient. So far, I recommend this for any menstruating person that deals with cystic hormonal acne and depression. It's been a relief for me.


Somewhat positive mood

2 more effects

1 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
18 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

Rigevidon  

Used Rigevidon for 6 months, had to stop due to mood. It didn't make me depressed or anxious just a lot more sensitive, took my quite a while (another 6 months) for my hormones to finally balance out again. My weight didn't change a massive deal, I gained a little bit, probably more due to me being more upset than usual. Stopped period pain and made periods a lot lighter and easier and grew my boobs a bit. Also very clear skin which is a bonus. Overall okay pill I just didn't like the mood swings.


Somewhat negative mood

3 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 3 - 5 yr
21 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

Maexeni pill  

sadly got swapped as my pharmacy isn’t stocking it anymore. it served me well for 5 years. can’t really complain


Improved skin

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
33 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

Rigevidon  

I’ve managed 10 days on this pill - but have stopped for my mental health. Never have I suffered with anxiety like I have on this pill. It has been horrendous. My mood is so low and I’ve not been able to function normally for days. I’ve not eaten or drank normally. The headaches and nausea are constant.


Very negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

1 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
32 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 weeks ago

Millinette 30/75 pill  

I used this pill a few years ago during a difficult period and wondered then if it impacted my mood, but it was a difficult time so it was hard to gauge. Tried again this time around and sadly no the pill was definitely a contributing factor. My pill free week I had a constant feeling of anxiety, which then followed into my next round. Im not really an anxious person but by week 4 on this I felt constantly on edge. Im a light sleeper anyway so I didn't make the connection last time between insomnia symptoms and night sweats but I think this contributed. I wonder if its linked to the heightened anxiety. A shame because otherwise no impact on skin, weight or periods sadly it just does not work with my mental health. I recently switched to Yasmin and it was like a light came on almost to the day I switched. I'd avoided it because of some negative stories id heard but for me its been much better so far. Sadly its a bit of trial and error to find the right one for you.


Very negative mood

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
28 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 weeks ago

Mercilon pill  

Vagina is very dry and sex has become a chore as I also have a low sex drive now


Somewhat positive mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 12 - 18 mo
22 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 weeks ago

Brevinor pill  

This combined pill has been the best one for me that I have tried so far. It hasn’t impacted my mood (as far as I can tell) and I haven’t experienced many negative side effects.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
21 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 month ago

Marvelon pill  

Overall, Haven’t noticed any changes to mood, it’s definitely made me gain a little bit of weight. However, My period i had when coming off the pill was in one word…. Excruciating. I’ve never had bad period cramps but with this pill my period came out in massive blood clots and it was very very painful.


Somewhat positive mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
20 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 month ago

Microgynon 30 pill  

Gave me cystitis all the time and even after coming off I keep getting it after seeing a specialist they told me it’s due to the The pill, lowering my oestrogen


Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Contraceptive alternatives and comparisons

Compare the Injection with other contraceptives

Order online

Order online now

Use our online prescription in under 5 mins

  • No GP appointment needed

  • Free standard delivery

Speak to a doctor

Not sure yet? Speak to a doctor

Schedule an appointment now

87% of women are happier with their contraceptive choice after speaking with one of The Lowdown's doctors

The Lowdown Footer

Women's health, reviewed.

Get the best women’s health info in your inbox

You are signing up to receive The Lowdown's latest findings and news in women's health. Your data will be used in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie policy

Built by doctors and experts

Our tools are made by medical professionals for your peace of mind

Our website uses affiliate links and we may earn a small commission if you click on them